By Cam Lucadou-Wells
There were plenty of flavours to savour from dining out on some of south-east Melbourne’s newest eating spots in 2016.
Here are our year’s picks of some of the most affordable and sheer delicious eats, adding to the region’s rising foodie reputation.
Don’t be shy to discover and enjoy the following eateries, and to let us know what should be added to our indulgent itinerary for 2017.
So without further ado, below are the 2016 Dine Local awards.
Sweet, Sweet Success Award
Sugar Buns cafe in Hampton Park, which drew long queues for its decadent mega-shakes, was a runaway sensation in 2016.
Up to 700 of these colossal ice-cream milkshakes embossed with candies, chocolate sauce, fairy floss and Tim Tams were bought each day.
However, we’re not sure every customer would have been able to finish one of these creations.
Under the radar was an equally thoughtful and creative menu of pre-dessert food such as a smashed avo rosti including flavours of dukka and, goats cheese, and eggs Benedict with coffee, vanilla, banana and maple syrup.
The cafe’s drawing power has caught the attention of shopping centres which have courted owner Steven Richard for possible franchising opportunities.
As it is, Mr Richard has plans to duplicate his success with a Dandenong branch to open in 2017.
How’s The Serenity Award
No dining experience came close to the meditative qualities of Milan Tea House in Springvale.
There’s something mesmerising about the 1700-year ritualised pouring of Chinese pu-erh tea from a hand-made purple clay teapot.
Creating a beautiful, ambient setting among jade ornaments and wooden cabinets, owner Wendy Wong pours for effect.
She makes a convincing case for the therapeutic value of a cup of tea.
Won’t Burn A Hole In Your Pocket Award
We were gobsmacked by the quality and value served up at Chilly Bowl in Dandenong.
The north and south Indian-inspired mains are generous, brilliantly conceived by a worldly and accomplished chef and yet start at just $5.
Of the many highlights, try the kappa and Spanish mackerel curry – a dry chilli blast with plentiful slabs of fish and a coffee undertone.
It comes with a soothing tamarind and coconut-infused potato side-dish.
Fun To Watch Award
One of the most innovative new eateries was Hot Pouch Bar and Dining – a pop-up venue on the terrace of Dandenong Market.
It was a joy to watch fresh prawns, banana leaf, sambal sauce, okra, mushrooms, greens and chillies wrapped and steamed in a foil pouch on a hot plate.
As the pouch expanded, the ingredients were cooked in their own juices.
A delicious way to eat in a stylish, contemporary setting.
Please Sir, Can I Have Some More Award
Dine Local’s mind was cast back to the famous gruel-eating scene of Oliver! as part of an experiment with a FODMAP diet.
There was no way of sprucing up a breakfast bowl of rice porridge, though slices of mango and banana helped make it digestible.
The undoubted culinary lowlight of the year.
